Learning centers on Westside get special funding

Two institutions in Costa Mesa have received Create Your Legacy Grants from the Ameriquest Mortgage Co., which provides funds to educational programs for underprivileged youths.

The Shalimar Learning Center and Wilson Street Learning Center, both located on the Westside, were among the 36 nonprofit sites in California, Texas and Connecticut receiving Ameriquest grants this year. The Orange-based firm initiated the project this year and awarded $540,000 in total funds.

Shalimar and Wilson each netted $15,000. Applicants for the grants had to conceive a $10,000 project to improve an after-school program and a $5,000 project for their surrounding neighborhoods, then pitch them to Ameriquest through a video presentation.

Byron de Arakal, the owner of a communications firm that represents Ameriquest, said he was proud to have two hometown winners in the first year.

“Out of the dozens and dozens of submissions that were brought in, I’ve had a chance to see the videos after they were selected, and the kids did a wonderful job of developing some solid plans and documenting them in creative ways in their presentations,” said de Arakal, a former columnist for the Daily Pilot. “I’m not surprised so much as happy.”

Next week, de Arakal hoped to set up a check presentation for both learning centers, with local politicians and other influential people in attendance.

Shalimar, an after-school tutoring site near Rea Elementary School, proposed a $10,000 upgrade of its computer lab and a $5,000 renovation of the nearby soccer field. For the video presentation, students created a mock newscast in which they posed as reporters talking about the needy facilities.

Mia Castillo, the manager of development and communications for Shalimar, said the center’s computer lab had only a pair of working computers, both outdated.

“For the 45 to 60 students who are always around the teen site, it’s not conducive to what they want to do,” she said.

With the grant funds, Castillo said, the center hoped to install seven or eight new computers along with cameras, copiers, software and other technology. Ultimately, the center may end up adding new classes.

Gina Gartner, who oversees the Wilson center, did not return calls seeking comment. De Arakal said the center planned to use its funds to revitalize its teen center and neighboring playground.